I know the ladies will get this and the fellas can appreciate the analogy since we all want our ladies (bikes and rods for some of us..lol) to have radiant, healthy looking and beautiful skin (paint), therefore consider this. The same process it takes to keep your skin looking young, vibrant and healthy, is very similar to the attention and care required to maintain the smooth, deep and lustrous shine of your car’s exterior.

Paint, like skin, covers and protects the body of your automobile. It keep’s the elements from getting to the metal underneath and causing damage, like rust and corrosion. Paint also adds to the car’s aesthetics and when it’s well kept, it enhances the appeal and protects the value of your investment.

As with the 4 basic skincare needs that include; cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize and protect, paint-care needs are similar. The steps include; wash, clay, polish and protect.

Step 1: Washing Your Vehicle

Washing your vehicle is the first step in the overall appearance maintenance of your vehicle. Washing the car is fundamental and it’s during this process that all surface dirt is loosened and removed from the exterior of your automobile. Washing your car, prepares the vehicle for the remaining steps in the detailing process. Although a proper and thorough car wash is one of the most basic steps to protect your cars appearance, washing alone is not enough. Further more, improper washing can do more harm than good, therefore using the right tools and techniques are critical during this step.

The hand wash, two bucket system will yield great results during this step in the process. There are several alternative methods to consider as well when it comes to cleaning the exterior. Vapor steam and no rinse washing are two additional methods I use depending on the condition of the vehicle at this point in the process.